Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has confirmed he will be leaving the club ahead of his move to Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old joins former team-mate Steven Gerrard, who took charge of Al Ettifaq on July 3, having previously coached Rangers and Aston Villa.
Henderson, who joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011, won seven major trophies while at Anfield, including the 2019 Champions League, and in 2020 became the first Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophy in the club’s history.
The midfielder posted a message on his Instagram account on Wednesday which read:
“It’s hard to put into words the past 12 years and even harder to say goodbye.”
“I’m always red. Until I die. Thank you for everything. You never walk alone,” he continued.
The England international is the latest European star transfer to the Saudi Pro League outfit after Saudi Arabia put up lucrative bids for some of the sport’s biggest names, most notably Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in January and Karim Benzema joining Al Ittihad last month.
Henderson made 492 appearances for Liverpool and scored 33 goals in 12 years with the club.
The 33-year-old will join former team-mate Steven Gerrard, who took charge of Al Ettifaq on July 3 after taking charge at Rangers and Aston Villa.
Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and captained the club and won seven major trophies with the Merseyside club, including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Speaking on Liverpool’s website, manager Jurgen Klopp said:
“The Monday when we arrived back in Liverpool Hendo was waiting for us to say goodbye properly to the team and also the coaching staff, so it was a very nice gesture – a very nice thing to do.”
“I know it was a very, very difficult decision for Hendo and I was around or with him all the way through. It’s sad, really weird, because he’s the only captain I have here at Liverpool but I think it’s interesting for him. likewise.”
“We will miss him, without a doubt, that’s clear — as a man and as a player. But, like I said, that’s football.”
He is the latest top player to join the Arab League and sources have told ESPN that other clubs in the country are considering transfers of Fabinho and Thiago from Liverpool.
